Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Anaple.
Hi Grace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved being creative and thinking of new business opportunities. Growing up, I would gather my siblings and neighbors to set up and operate lemonade stands with me. At age 13, I purchased my first sewing machine. Shortly after, I created & sold headbands using that sewing machine. Within a year, this business grew to the point of me being able to purchase my first laptop computer – I was investing in my own growth at an early age!
In high school, I was fortunate to study in a range of different creative classes. Photography was my favorite. Although I was offered a photography scholarship and acceptance to several schools, I was thrilled to enroll in The University of Cincinnati’s DAAP school as a communication design major. I learned a lot from the highly skilled faculty in DAAP; likewise, the co-op program provided a wide range of design experiences. For instance, my first co-op, at Findlay Market, led to my first freelance graphic design opportunity. Around this time, as I photographed friends just for fun, I began to be presented with my first paid opportunities in photography. These gigs allowed me to upgrade my equipment, as I continued to invest in my own growth. The people I built relationships with in these freelance jobs became informal mentors to me teaching me various nuances of freelance graphic design. I was able to meet regularly with others in formal mentoring as well.
As graduation from UC drew near in 2021, I managed a wide range of freelance jobs with both graphic design and photography. I continued the Etsy shop that I began in 2019, and I prepared to launch my clothing brand, WAY, as my capstone project.
Through my co-op experiences, I was sure that a typical 9-5 corporate job was not for me. I enjoyed running my own business; it was important to me to be directly involved in all aspects of these projects. Nonetheless, I applied for some of these more “typical” jobs. I was not completely convinced that I could immediately move into my own business right after graduating college. I was living with my family at the time, and after much prayer, I decided to plunge into full-time freelancing! This past fall, I pursued many freelance opportunities and this initiative generated results. I was able to move out of my parents’ house and have a home office in my own place which was a game-changer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There has definitely been a lot to learn in running my own business. The tasks range from mundane administrative decisions to the actual ideation and creation phases. Each of my clients has a unique culture in their companies/firms. In preparing to launch my clothing brand, I was required to learn the business side of things. I used the school project as springboard for my actual brand. The business details included forming an LLC, learning regulations & laws regarding sales and business taxes. I juggled these details with various ongoing contracts & projects. I’ve had many late nights of preparing products for markets. At times, trial and error provided me the best results for the details of my clothing line. It’s cool for me to look back and see how God brought it all together.
I constantly remind myself to separate my identity from my work. I’m not defined by others’ opinions of my work, the numbers on social media, or the balances in bank accounts. For me, the most challenging part is this: after working hard, allowing myself to rest and trust God with the results. As a creative entrepreneur, I have to manage the never-ending “to-do” list and impending deadlines, but not letting that completely take over my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time creative entrepreneur focusing on graphic design as well as photography. My graphic design opportunities have ranged from brand management/enhancement for consumer-packaged goods to organizational brand rollouts. I have helped several churches with design needs, including taking on the role as the creative director at my church. As a photographer, I specialize in weddings, high school senior portraits, seasonal family sessions, and corporate outings. I have also utilized my photography expertise for sales of products. I continue to operate my Etsy shop, and just celebrated the one-year anniversary of my clothing brand! This has been an exciting year for me as early investments in my design development have resulted in more opportunities to use my gifts in each the areas mentioned above.
I am most proud of my clothing brand – WAY. I loved creating, launching, and expanding the brand. From the logo & website design to the photography & screen printing of the items, to product delivery, I am encouraged in seeing the return on all the hard work. I’m passionate about the message behind the brand and have loved seeing the dream become reality. It is a joy to see others support the brand as they post on social media, wear the garments, and buy products for different people in their lives!
What do you think about happiness?
Some things that make me happy are sunshine, running, Jesus, and investing in the lives of high school girls. I love getting to capture moments, big & small with photography, and seeing the joy those photos bring to people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceanapledesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceanapledesign/
- Other: https://way-cc.com/
